Grand Prix thunders in as Long Beach exults

Marco Tinoto and his 1-year-old daughter Dulce watch the motocross freestyle demonstration at the 14th annual Thunder Thursday as part of Grand Prix festivities in Long Beach. , JOSH MORGAN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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An Indy racer sits in his vehicle as his crew races to finish swapping tires during a pit stop demonstration at the 14th annual Thunder Thursday event as part of Grand Prix festivities in Long Beach. , JOSH MORGAN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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A participant of the pit stop demonstration waits for his team's Indy car to arrive Thursday as part of Grand Prix festivities in Long Beach. , JOSH MORGAN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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A motorcyclist performs a wheelie during a motocross freestyle demonstration as part of Grand Prix festivities in Long Beach. , JOSH MORGAN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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A motorcyclist performs a wheelie during a demonstration at the 14th annual Thunder Thursday in downtown Long Beach. JOSH MORGAN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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A motorcyclist performs a wheelie during a demonstration at Thunder Thursday as part of Grand Prix festivities in Long Beach. , JOSH MORGAN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Two motorcyclists circle around each other during a Thunder Thursday demonstration at Broadway and Pine Avenue in Long Beach as part of Grand Prix festivities. , JOSH MORGAN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Marco Tinoto and his 1-year-old daughter Dulce watch the motocross freestyle demonstration at the 14th annual Thunder Thursday as part of Grand Prix festivities in Long Beach. , JOSH MORGAN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Downtown Long Beach got to take a test drive of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach as engines revved and motorcyclists soared through the air for the annual Thunder Thursday event.

Thousands of locals and out-of-towners lined Broadway from Pine Avenue to the Promenade. They watched in awe as three freestyle motorcyclists jumped over ramps and performed stunts at the corner of Broadway and Pine Avenue on Thursday evening.

The motorcyclists and drivers weren’t the only ones moving fast during the event. Specialists moved quickly to perform pit stop repairs within seconds as onlookers cheered them on.

Jose Valdovinos, 18, of Long Beach said the event is one of his favorite aspects of the Grand Prix.

“It’s amazing how fast they can change the tires,” he said. “I was here last year, and I’m still shocked how fast they can do it. It’s cool to see it this close.”

For Genaro Curiel, the event served as the perfect kickoff to a multiday affair. He said he is visiting for about a week from San Martin and came to Long Beach just for the Grand Prix.

“Thunder Thursday just makes the whole week go by with alternative stuff,” Curiel said. “It’s great for us, and it’s great for the city.”

Curiel said having the chance to get up close to the Grand Prix drivers is one of his favorite parts of Thunder Thursday. Racers sat under a tent as fans lined up to get their autographs.

“It’s really neat because I watch these guys on TV, so it’s cool to meet them,” he said.

Other activities at the event included live music, car displays and the Miss Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Pageant. Patrons also got to sample craft beers at a beer garden.

Ameenah Mohammed, 22, of Los Angeles said she wasn’t aware that Thunder Thursday was going on until she arrived to have dinner nearby. She said the event was a nice, surprising source of free entertainment, but she wasn't anticipating attending the actual Grand Prix during the weekend.

“I always heard the buzzing around the track when I grew up in Long Beach,” she said. “I think when I have kids I’ll take them. I see how it’s cool, and I want to go someday.”

Part of what makes the event unique is its location, said Downtown Long Beach Associates spokeswoman Julie Meigs Korinke.

“Normally, you see extreme sports in an arena, not in the heart of an urban environment,” she said.

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